Australia is in control of the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch after Marnus Labuschagne's resilient 90 helped them secure a lead. At lunch on day two, Australia reached 221 for 8, with a lead of 59 runs. Labuschagne, coming out of a form slump, played a crucial role in steadying Australia's innings but fell agonizingly short of a century.

Matt Henry, with another five-wicket haul, continued to trouble Australia's batting order, keeping New Zealand in the game. Labuschagne's dismissal, caught superbly by Glenn Phillips at gully, marked the last ball before lunch.

Australia's batting struggled, losing wickets in the session, but Labuschagne's innings provided the much-needed stability. New Zealand, despite Henry's efforts, will aim to wrap up Australia's innings quickly in the post-lunch session.

The match remains finely poised as New Zealand trails by 78 runs, looking to stage a comeback after a challenging first innings of 162.